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Ice skating at Mill Creek's lily pond wraps up, after few takers
YOUNGSTOWN
As ice skating at the Lily Pond in Mill Creek MetroParks wrapped up for the season, park officials say the cold kept many people at home and off the ice this year.
“I think with the unseasonably cold temperatures, people just weren’t outside,” said Samantha Villella, park community-engagement director.
The freezing cold weather is what made the outdoor skating opportunity possible — this is only the second year in the past 25 the Lily Pond froze to a safe-enough level to allow recreational use in the winter. Last year was the first.
“It was very well-received [last year]. Though it was still cold, the temperatures weren’t as frigid, so it just gave people more of an opportunity,” Villella said.
Friday’s record-low temperatures, however, didn’t keep Anatoliy Radchenko of Poland and his 11-year-old son, Alex, off the ice. As the temperature climbed just past zero degrees, the two were out on the pond playing a one-on-one hockey match.
“I’m surprised there’s no one here today,” Radchenko said.
It was the pair’s first time skating on the Lily Pond, and they said it’s a good experience for hockey players.
“I think it makes you tougher, a tougher skater. ... Your balance gets better,” Radchenko said.
“It’s different. It’s bumpier,” Alex said.
Radchenko recalled playing street hockey outside when he was growing up in the Soviet Union. He passed the love of hockey on to his son, and the two spend much of their time traveling to games and practices.
“It’s a great sport. It’s all you love until you die, or it’s just not your [thing],” Radchenko said.
The Radchenkos may be in luck for more outdoor hockey next year, as the park administration plans to continue to offer skating at the Lily Pond.
“We know that the community was very interested in an outdoor skating opportunity. ... So it’s something that, pending good weather conditions and safe ice conditions, we will continue to provide,” Villella said.
Outdoor ice skating has been a longtime tradition at Mill Creek MetroParks. Many people used to skate on the lakes, and the Wick Recreation Area had an outdoor rink for many years before it was closed in 2002.